If you own a driveway, parking lot, or commercial property in Albany, Schenectady, Troy, or anywhere in the Capital Region of New York, protecting your asphalt is essential. Our harsh Northeast weather—freeze-thaw cycles, snow, ice, road salt, and summer heat—can break down pavement quickly without proper maintenance.
One of the most common questions property owners ask is:
What’s the difference between spraying asphalt sealer and hand applying it?
Both methods are effective when done correctly, but the right choice depends on your pavement’s condition and how it’s used.
Spray Application of Asphalt Sealer (Capital Region Commercial Lots)
Spray application uses professional sealcoating equipment to apply asphalt sealer evenly across the surface. This method is commonly used for large commercial parking lots throughout Albany County, Schenectady County, and Rensselaer County.
Benefits of Spray Sealcoating
Spraying allows for fast, uniform coverage, making it ideal for:
- Retail plazas
- Office buildings
- Apartment complexes
- Industrial and municipal lots
It produces a smooth, professional appearance and minimizes downtime for businesses that need their parking areas reopened quickly.
Spray application works best on newer or well-maintained asphalt surfaces that are relatively smooth and structurally sound.
Things to Consider
On older or more porous pavement, spray application alone may not force sealer deep into the surface. In those cases, additional coats or hand-applied touch-ups are often recommended.
Hand Applying Asphalt Sealer (Residential & Older Pavement)
Hand application—using brushes or rubber squeegees—is commonly used for residential driveways and older asphalt surfaces across the Capital Region.
Here at Prestige Sealcoating we hand apply all residential driveways unless otherwise requested by the homeowner.
Benefits of Hand Application
Hand applying sealer allows the material to be worked directly into the asphalt, helping to:
- Fill surface voids
- Improve penetration on rough or weathered pavement
- Create a thicker, more durable protective layer
This method is especially effective for older driveways in Albany NY, Troy NY, Schenectady NY, and surrounding towns, where asphalt has been exposed to years of weather and traffic.
Things to Consider
Hand application is more labor-intensive and takes longer to complete. Light texture marks may be visible, but usually dissipate and level out within 30 days after application.
Which Sealcoating Method Is Best for Your Property?
The best sealcoating method depends on:
- Size of the asphalt surface
- Age and condition of the pavement
- Residential vs commercial use
- Traffic volume
- Desired appearance and longevity
Many professional sealcoating contractors in the Capital Region use both methods on the same project—spraying for overall coverage and hand applying sealer in high-wear areas, edges, and trouble spots.
Why Professional Sealcoating Matters in Upstate NY
Regardless of application method, long-lasting results depend on:
- Proper surface cleaning
- Crack filling before sealcoating
- Correct sealer mix for New York’s climate
- Experienced application
Cutting corners can lead to premature wear, peeling, or failure—especially with our region’s extreme seasonal changes.
Asphalt Sealcoating Services in the Capital Region
If you’re looking for professional asphalt sealcoating in Albany NY, Schenectady NY, Troy NY, or surrounding Capital Region communities, working with an experienced local contractor ensures your pavement is protected against weather, traffic, and time.
Properly applied sealcoating helps extend the life of your asphalt, improve curb appeal, and reduce long-term repair costs.
